Holiday Parking Rules to Reduce Stress & Accidents

The weeks between Black Friday and January sales present some of the year’s greatest parking challenges, turning holiday cheer into stress, frustration and even fender bender accidents as rushed shoppers battle for parking spaces.

Parking lot accidents happen much more often than you might think. According to the National Safety Council, as many as 20% of all car accidents occur in parking lots and garages.

Here are some tips to help preserve your sanity, and avoid getting dinged or hurt walking to or from your vehicle.

car parking sign_evelynkanter.cm — Pixabay photo

Give yourself the gift of time

Allow a few extra minutes to navigate the parking facility in your favorite downtown, shopping center or mall.

Plan shopping trips during less-crowded days and times, and abandon the quest for the closest space.

Use high-tech parking advances

Many cities now offer parking apps that allow you to find and reserve your space ahead of time, even extend parking time and pay via your mobile phone.

Many public and private garages also feature real-time signage that tells you how many spots are open per level, guiding you to available spaces.

Put safety first

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported recently that 14% of collisions resulting in insurance claims occurred in parking lots. And, likely, there are more so-called dings and minior fender benders which don’t result in claims.

Wait until you put your car in park before texting or calling, and be especially watchful when backing up.

Be sure to stow valuables and purchases out of sight, close windows, lock up, and never leave a child or pet in a parked car.

Observe the law

Never pull into a parking space designated for those with disabilities unless you have a permit to do so. Penalties are typically high and these spaces are vital to those who truly need them.

EV etiquette_evelynkanter — Photo: NYSERDA

Don’t hog the EV charger

Be mindful of other EV drivers and don’t leave your vehicle parked at a charger all day, even after charging is complete. I call it EV etiquette.

Remember where you parked

Use your smartphone to help you remember where you parked: take a photo of your level, parking section, space number or other landmark , or write it down on a small notebook you keep handy.

Walk carefully

Keep to well-lit areas and walk alertly with keys in-hand when returning to your car. Don’t text while walking, stay off the phone, and look around you. Check all sides, under, and in the car before you enter.

Exit cautiously

Check and re-check mirrors, turn to look over your shoulder, and watch for pedestrians, especially children who may be below your line of vision.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, emergency room data shows 55 percent of non-roadway collisions between pedestrians and vehicles occur in parking lots.

Thanks to the International Parking Institute, the world’s largest association of parking professionals and the parking industry, for many of these holiday parking tips.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is an award-winning journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.